Ridoola's blog

The Agege Local Government in Lagos State is to immortalise the late journalist, Alhaji Kola Animashaun. The local government said it would commence a yearly essay contest by pupils of public junior secondary schools in the community to immortalise the late veteran journalist. Animashaun, a popular columnist and former Chairman of Editorial Board of The Vanguard, died on May 30 at the age of 80. He hailed from Agege. Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi, the Chairman of Agege Local Government, made the promise when he led a delegation of the council members to pay a condolence visit to the bereaved family in Dopemu on Sunday. They were received by the widow, Mrs Silfat Animashaun, Mr Adeboye Animashaun and Mrs Opeyemi Sarumi, son and daughter of the deceased, respectively. Egunjobi said the late Journalist was an illustrious son of Agege “in whom everybody who had nexus with the area was well pleased with and proud of”. He said that Animashaun was downright forthright and religious and called

A total of 216 rifles mostly AK47 have been recovered by Zamfara Government from bandits terrorizing innocent people in the state. This was contained in a press release signed by Yusuf Idris, Director-General, Press Affairs to Gov. Bello Matawalle, and made available to journalists in Gusau on Sunday. It said that the governor made the revelation when he received former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon at the Government House, Gusau on Saturday. The statement said that most of the weapons were voluntarily returned to the government by repentant bandits who surrendered to embrace peace while denouncing their bad ways. The governor described the elder statesman’s visit to the state as timely and sought for professional advice from the retired general on the best practicable ways to end banditry in the state. “ Matawalle maintained that Nigeria now needs more of his personality with the current situation of banditry, kidnapping and other heinous crimes in order to advise current lead

Debutants Madagascar finish top of Group B after their surprise win over Nigeria. The Super Eagles of Nigeria have gotten a reality check with a 2-0 loss to Madagascar who shocked the world to top Group B of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations . After two consecutive wins and qualification to the second round already secured, the Super Eagles had needed just a point to confirm top spot in Group D but debutants Madagascar had other plans, scoring a goal in each half to get a shocking 2-0 win.  ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Cross River Chapter, has called on Gov. Ben Ayade of the state to allocate 55 per cent of political appointments into his cabinet to qualified youths in the state. Chairman of the State Branch of NYCN, Mr Ndiyo Ndiyo, made the appeal in Calabar while briefing newsmen on Sunday in Calabar. According to Ndiyo, Ayade should consider youths between the ages of 18 and 35 and the other percentage to persons between the ages of 35 and 50 to complement his new cabinet. He said that during the last administration the youth asked for 35 per cent and the governor appointed more than the requested percentage, adding that the gesture had given them a sense of belonging on governance. “ In Ayade’s first administration, we asked for 35 per cent youth inclusion into governance, he challenged us and gave us more than that. “In his second term, we are asking for 55 per cent of appointments for youths between the ages of 18 and 35 and the other percentage

Fire on Sunday destroyed 150MVA transformer belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) at the 330/132/33KVA substation along Sapele Road, Benin. A staff of TCN, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the fire started at about 8a.m on Sunday morning, adding that the cause of the fire was not yet known. An eyewitness, Mr Osaigbovo Ikponmwosa , told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the transformer exploded at 8a.m and fire started. Ikponmwosa said: ” we have been here since the fire started and the state fire service is not here to help curtail the spread of the fire .” According to Ikponmwosa, it is a pity that TCN substation in Edo that controls more than two states does not have its own fire fighting equipment in case of fire outbreak like this. NAN reports that help, however, came at about 11.30a.m when fire fighters from Niger Delta Power Holding Company limited (NDPH) fire station, NIPP projects, came to the rescue after about three and half hours the fire s

Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi has commended youths for complementing security efforts of security agencies through community policing to secure the state. Bagudu made the commendation on Sunday at Zogirma community of Bunza Local Government Area when he condoled with the family of late Ahmed Haliru, who died of injury sustained from kidnappers. “ I pray Allah to grant Haliru Aljannah Firdausi and the family fortitude to bear the loss. “I commend the people and youths in Zogirma as well as vigilante group on their efforts in the rescue of the victims of kidnappers ,” he said. Bagudu also sympathised with those that were currently receiving treatment in the hospital, including the wife of the local government chairman and a policeman. He announced that majority of the kidnappers had been apprehended and would face the full wrath of the law. “ I want to assure you that justice will take its proper course ,” he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 10 motorcycles and undi

Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo tells his church members to ignore the protesters around the church. The embattled pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) Biodun Fatoyinbo addresses his church members as protesters stormed the church branches in Abuja and Lagos over the rape allegation levied against him by Busola Dakolo. The pastor instructed his congregation to be peaceful and ignore the protesters around the church, saying 'they may say things but don’t reply anybody'. He also said the church is not going to hold its program called The Seven Days of Glory because he doesn’t wasn't to distractions from protesters.  Pastor Fatoyinbo said: " I have been relating with all my mentors, you know I am a man under authority, I really love to listen to them. So, I am going to be giving a few instructions as time goes on but the first instruction I want to give is, be that as it may with what is going on, I am not a desperate person to say we must have the programme. W

The Police Command in Enugu State has warned mischief-makers using social media to cause disaffection to steer-clear of the state. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ebere Amaraizu, gave warning in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Sunday. ““ The Command’s attention has been drawn to information in the social media that large herd of cows and some herders were escorted peacefully out of Nenwe community of the state on June 29 by youths believed to be from Nenwe. ““The Command further wishes to update members of the public who may have been misinformed with the state of things. ““On receipt of this information, the Commissioner of Police in the state directed that an investigation into the alleged development and that preliminary enquiry be conducted immediately. “”It was revealed that such situation never existed and that it was only the movement of cattle and herders from Cross River, through Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area

The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Saturday adopted ECO as the name of the single currency to be issued in January 2020. The leaders at their 55th Ordinary Session in Abuja endorsed the name while congratulating the Ministerial Committee on the Single Currency for the considerable progress recorded in the implementation of the revised roadmap. In the communiqué read by Mr Mustapha Suleiman , Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Authority instructed the ECOWAS Commission to work in collaboration with West African Monetary Agency. The leaders also instructed the commission to work with West African Monetary Institute and the central banks to accelerate the implementation of the revised roadmap with regard to the symbol of the single currency. The Authority also directed the commission and the central banks to accelerate the operation of the Special Fund for financing of programmes in the revised Roadmap for the ECOWAS Single Currency P

The Nigerian Army on Saturday carried out sanitation at designated areas in Obio/Akpor area of Rivers as part of activities to mark the 2019 Nigerian Army Day celebration (NADCEL). Soldiers, who turned out in large numbers cleaned the busy Rumuokoro market, car park road and surrounding environment. The Commander of 6 Division Garrison, Nigerian Army Port Harcourt, Brig.-Gen. Adeola Kalejaiye , said that NADCEL was significant to the army. “ The army is very conscious of the environment, hence the need to clean up the market as part of our NADCEL. “So, today, we are carrying out environment sanitation as part of our civil-military relationship. We are ready to cooperate with everyone. “The army takes cleanliness of the environment very seriously, ” he said. Kalejaiye said that soldiers were part of the society, and as such, need the cooperation of the people to effectively carry out their assigned duties. Mr Solomon Eke , Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, commend

The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government have elected President Issoufou Mahamadou of Niger as the chair of ECOWAS for a one-year term. Mahamadou was elected at the 55th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS leaders on Saturday in Abuja, taking over from the outgone President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria. A communiqué read by Mr Mustapha Suleiman , Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the leaders lauded Buhari for his unrelenting commitment to regional integration. The authority also agreed to hold its next ordinary session on Dec. 21 in Abuja. The presidents of 13 of the 15 heads of state were in attendance for the session. They are the presidents of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo . Cabo Verde was represented by Mr Julio Cesar Lopes , Minister of Regional Integration and Senegal was represented by Mr Amadou Ba, Minister of Fo

The fourth season of big brother naija has officially kicked off today Sunday,June 30, 2019. The 2019 edition of bbnaija kicks off in the studio situated in the heart of Lagos,Nigeria. According to Multichoice Nigeria,this year's edition of the reality TV show well last 92days of intense drama, romance, and spice. With the organisers promising 12 different spices- with a spice dished out each week- the housemates were ushered into the well decorated BBNaija house they reek so much of the Nigerian cultures. The show, which has Ebuka as the host as unveiled by the organisers in February 2019 will run till September 30. The opening show will kick off at exactly 7pm when all the housemates will be revealed as well as the one housemate that was chosen by the viewers through social media polls. The reality show will kick off with a two- hour launch show that will air live on Africa Magic showcase. The intense battle for the N60 million grand prize will continue on the dedicated24-

The Presidency says President Muhammadu Buhari has begun consultations for an inclusive stakeholder committee that will thoroughly interrogate issues that fuel communal conflicts across the country. Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday. He said the committee when constituted would be saddled with the responsibility of proffering lasting solutions to ”age-long disagreements that have claimed lives and property, with particular focus on the Tiv/Jukun relationship in Benue and Taraba States. According to the presidential aide, the President is disturbed by communal clashes that have destroyed many lives and property, altered the destinies of families, and raised the profile of insecurity in the country by promoting generational tensions. He said the committee which would work with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, would include traditional rulers and re

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Gov. Emeka Ihedioha of Imo and Former Governor of Anambra, Mr Peter Obi were among dignitaries who stormed Onitsha on Saturday for their last respect to late Chief Chukwuka Iwenjiora, the father in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that late Iwenjiora, father of Atiku’s wife, Mrs Jennifer, was born on June 4, 1929 and died on Jan. 26. In his tribute at the burial reception in Onitsha, Jonathan, accompanied by his wife, Dame Patience, described the nonagenarian as “a man of great resources and compassion.” “His unwavering desire to build human capital endeared him to many in his community and beyond. “His great accomplishments and dedication to work ethics inspired the younger generation, mostly in the academia and business world. “He was committed to the unity of our beloved country and a tremendous gift to the South-East region ,” Jonathan said. In a condolence message, former vice president

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar has charged Air Force personnel to sustain the tempo of operations against insurgents, kidnappers, bandits and other criminals in the country. Abubakar gave the charge during the inauguration of renovated block of 30 two-bedroom quarters for Senior Non Commissioned Officers at NAF Base Kaduna on Saturday. The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) report that Abubakar was represented by the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command Kaduna, AVM Mohammad Sulaiman. “My dear officers, airmen, and airwomen, as the administration continues to provide the much needed support to sustain the tempo of operations against insurgency, kidnapping and other forms of armed banditry, so also must our efforts be sustained to reposition the NAF into a highly professional and disciplined force for effective, efficient and timely employment of airpower in response to Nigerian National Security imperatives. “ I am delighted to be here with you as we comm

President Muhammadu Buhari has picked the President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, as leader of the Federal Government delegation to the ongoing 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Egypt. Also on the delegation are the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha. Governors Ifeanyi Okowa and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of Delta and Lagos respectively, are equally to be part of the delegation. There are also the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele , President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel , and a Representative of the Presidency; Captain Hosa Okunbo . The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Olusade Adesola , and Muhammad Gambo , the ministry’s Director of Facilities, are also members of the delegation. ALSO READ : EFCC accuses Saraki of diverting N12bn from Kwara treasury to offset bank loans A former Minister of Youth and Sports,

Police say they need complaints from victims or witnesses to proceed with rape charges against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo. Following rape allegations levied against the senior pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, the police in Abuja have said it would require a formal complaint against the preacher before a criminal action could be taken against him. Police commissioner Bala Ciroma on Saturday, June 29, 2019 that the police need complaints from victims or witnesses or both to proceed with rape charges. He said, “They should file a formal complaint, and then the police can see how to proceed from there.” The rape allegation against Pastor Fatoyinbo has been the major topic of discussion since Timi Dakolo ’s wife, Busola Dakolo accused the preacher of raping her when she was sixteen. Busola in a video interview told YNaija that Mr Fatoyinbo came to her family residence in Ilorin and raped and deflowered her when she was 16-yr-old. She said, “ Immed

Brig.-Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim, Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has warned the 2019 Batch `B’ corps members against improper behavior and misconduct. Ibrahim gave the warning after an inspection of the 2019 Batch `B’ NYSC members’ hostel at Okada Grammar School, Okada, Edo on Saturday. The NYSC boss appealed to corps members to be guided by the NYSC Act and bye-laws which had been given to them to avoid running into problems during the service year. He drew the attention of female corps members on the need to uphold the dignity of their womanhood by not indulging in shameful behaviour. “ Please don’t embark on unauthorised journey. Be focused, disciplined and do not make yourself readily available to kidnappers. “Be disciplined in the discharge of your duties and uphold loyalty to the NYSC scheme. “Always inform your friends of your whereabout and be security-conscious. Wherever you are posted, ensure you locate the nearest police station or army barracks and int

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says it has reached an advanced stage with plans for the hosting of the 37th annual conference of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA). The council’s Head of National Office (HNO), Mr Olu Adenipekun, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday in Lagos. The theme of the conference is: Innovations in Educational Assessment. He state that the conference, slated for Aug. 4 to Aug. 8, would seek to put to the fore, new developments in the area of educational assessment and standards, as well as assessment of candidates. “ We are happy to state here that preparations for the upcoming conference in Abuja are in top gear and have reached an advanced stage. “This year, Nigeria will be hosting the annual conference which was hosted last by Lesotho in 2018. “The association is a continental body for assessors, examination bodies, institutes and Faculties of Education and Universities a

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna, Maj.-Gen. Yahaya Faruk, said enhanced collaboration with the civil populace would help the Army in the effective discharge of its professional duties. Yahaya said this during the Division’s special environmental sanitation exercise as part of activities to mark the 2019 Nigerian Army Day. The sanitation exercise was conducted in Kawo area of Kaduna North Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on Saturday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this year’s theme is Professional Soldering Panacea for Successful Operations. “ Relating very well with the civil communities will enhance our professional activities by them coming to us with relevant information and cooperating pertaining to our operations. ” I appeal to the civil populace to always provide actionable information that will assist us and other security agencies in conducting our operations. “For example, armed bandits, kidnappers and other criminal

President Muhammadu Buhari says the insecurity challenges in the West African subregion can only be effectively tackled if a common strategy is adopted by member states. Buhari, who is the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, stated this at the opening of the 55th ordinary session of the Summit of the ECOWAS, in Abuja on Saturday. He said: ” Taking into account the transnational nature of the threats confronting us, the need for the adoption of a common strategy at the national and regional level to combat them, has become imperative. ”By so doing, we will reinforce our actions and resources for a more effective response to protect our citizens and secure our common space. ”While I acknowledge that several initiatives and measures have been taken in our respective countries recent developments have shown that we must cooperate more effectively to achieve our goals. ”We should send a strong and unified messag

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has destroyed terrorists’ hideouts and killed some fighters at Gobara and Bakassi in Borno. Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, added that the operation was conducted on Friday in separate air raids. According to Daramola, the settlements were two of the targets selected for attack in the intensive air interdiction operations launched by the ATF on Wednesday. He explained that the attack on Gobara, a settlement in the Sambisa Forest area, was carried out by two Alpha Jets after Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions had identified a segment of the settlement being used by Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) fighters to store their logistics and other equipment. “ The jets scored accurate hits in the target area, leading to the destruction of some of the structures and equipment as wel

Statement by h.E. Muhammadu buhari, president of the federal republic of nigeria, chairman of the ecowas authority of heads of state and government at the  55th ordinary session of the ecowas authority of heads of state and government Abuja, nigeria 29th june 2019 Protocols: It is with great pleasure that I warmly welcome you to Abuja on behalf of the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the occasion of the 55th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). 2.    To my colleagues, let me again reiterate my deep appreciation for the confidence placed on me to lead our sub-regional organization, as Chair of the Authority during the last one year. I sincerely thank you for the valuable support extended to me throughout the period. Excellencies Heads of State and Government, Distinguished Guests, 3.    As West African leaders, we are delighted with the platform provided by our organ

The Nigerian Army on Saturday defied the early morning downpour and deployed its personnel to Tinubu Square in Lagos for a clean-up exercise as part of the 2019 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation, Maj.-Gen. Adekunle Shodunke, led the soldiers in a massive sanitation exercise on the streets of Lagos Island. Shodunke represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai at the occasion. The soldiers were seen clearing the refuse dumps and the drains blocked by plastic bottles, nylon and other waste materials. According to Buratai, the environmental sanitation exercise is part of activities lined up to commemorate the 2019 Nigerian Army Day celebration. He expressed the hope that the exercise would further boost Army/civil relations nationwide. “ We, as part of civil society see this sanitation exercise as part of our corporate social responsibility to help clean the environment and h

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has charged its personnel to continually engage in fitness exercise to make them effective in the discharge of their constitutional duties. The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, gave the charge on Saturday in Abuja at the end of the NAF 2019 Second Quarter Route March Exercise. Abubakar, who was represented by the the Chief of Policy and Plans, AVM Emmanuel Anebi, praised the personnel for demonstrating high level of physical fitness. He noted that officers and men of the NAF have proved beyond reasonable doubt that they were willing, able and ready to serve the nation and defend its territorial integrity. The air chief urged the personnel to sustain the military culture of regular exercise to maintain personal physical fitness to carry out assigned tasks efficiently. The aim of the exercise is to keep officers and men of the Service physically and mentally fit for effective performance of their various duties. ALSO READ : EFCC a

No fewer than eight bandits have been killed and 17 other collaborators arrested by troops of Operation HARBIN KUNAMA III under the 8 Division Nigerian Army, Sokoto. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Division, Maj.-Gen. Hakeem Otiki, told the newsmen in Sokoto on Saturday that those apprehended were bandits’ informants and logistics suppliers. Otiki said five bandits’ camps and 25 motorcycles were destroyed in the operation. He commended members of the various vigilante groups and local hunters for their support to troops operating in their villages and communities. Otiki explained that the operation which was flagged off on April 1, 2019 in Zamfara, involved military activities in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states. According to him, the exercise has instilled confidence in the locals to remain in their villages and continue with their normal lives as well as facilitated the return of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes. He added that tr

With much been said about the industry’s newly birth talent  “tJay”  Making a positive impact in the music Scene. From the stables of GREENLIFE Ent We Present to You “ Tejiri Ochuko Ibihwiori " better known as  “tJay”  a prolific songwriter and an amazing performer as he dishes out a double dose of Audio/Visuals to his brand new single titled “ SLOW WIND ” directed by ace film maker Avalon Okpe . tJay who already have been tipped as the next big talent is set to thrill and serenade all lovers of good music with loads of hits that he has got in store setting the pace with the lovers rock  “SLOW WIND”. Download Listen up, Watch & Enjoy Slow Wind. Connect with tJay on all his socials  Twitter & IG : @holatjay DOWNLOAD AUDIO DOWNLOAD VIDEO This is a featured post. ridoola.blogspot.com

Enugu State government has placed a ban on the activities of the state chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). The Permanent Secretary, General Administration, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Josephine Onyia disclosed this in a press statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Enugu. Onyia said that the ban was with immediate effect and would last until the state government gave further notice. She said that the decision followed the review of the protracted crisis that had engulfed the state chapter. She said that the crisis had assumed frightening dimensions giving rise to cultism and banditry. Onyia said that the state government would not stand aloof in the circumstances which had its attendant grave security implications in the state. She said that a committee comprising the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Nigeria Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps would be constituted to take charge of

The Kaduna State Police Command on Friday said it had arrested no fewer than 62 criminal suspects in two weeks. The State’s Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Ali Janga made the disclosure at a news briefing at the command Headquarters, Kaduna. Janja said that the command continued to intensify a furious manhunt on bandits and other criminals across the Command through some carefully planned strategic operations including ‘Operation Puff Adder’ He said that the operation was launched by the Inspector General of Police, I-G Mohammed A Abubakar . “ And the subsequent ongoing Confidence Building Campaign the Command vigorously carried out across the State, particularly along our respective Expressways. ” I invited you here to update you on the Command’s recent successes in combating crime and criminality in Kaduna state within the last two weeks. He disclosed that the command has recorded some successes within the past two weeks with the arrest of 62 suspects on different crimes and be

The Emir believes the military has decimated the operations of bandits in Kaduna. Recently, bandits activities was very high in states like Katsina and Kaduna and while is making efforts to check them, the Emir of Birnin-Gwari in the Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area in Kaduna , Alhaji Zubair Jibril-MaiGwari ll,has said that bandits in the states now steal food to survive. Birnin-Gwari, which had been known as den for cattle rustlers, kidnappers, armed robbers and bandits, now enjoy relative peace, Punch reports. According to the Newspaper, the Emir believes the military has decimated the operations of bandits following the establishment and air and land operational bases in the community. During a visit by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Ali Aji-Janga, the emir said; “The bandits are only carrying out their operations in secluded areas where there are small markets stalls and steal food in order to survive, they are hungry, they don’t have time to kill people again. “If

This was confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the Public Relations Officers of the operation, Lt. Oni Orisun in Gusau on Thursday. No fewer than 29 bandits have been killed by operatives of Operation Hadarin Daji in an onslaught carried out by the troops in Moriki forest of Zamfara. This was confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the Public Relations Officers of the operation, Lt. Oni Orisun in Gusau on Thursday. He said that the troops moved against the bandits after they failed to embrace the 24-hour ultimatum issued by the Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Jide Ogunlade for them to surrender and embrace peace. “The Force Commander was clear and did not mince words when he said the operation will land heavily on them after the expiration of the ultimatum. “The Moriki general area was professionally cordoned and offered no escape route which led to the bandits returning fire against our operatives. “That action led to two soldiers and one mobile policeman paying

Governor Yahaya Bello promises better times for Kogi State if re-elected. Governor Yahaya Bello has promised to improve upon his present performance if re-elected for a second term in office. Speaking at the at a stakeholders meeting of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) , in Lokoja on Thursday, June 27, 2019, also appealed to the people of the state not to lose hope in his administration. According to him, the recent reconciliation of the two factions of the party in the state is a pointer to a better tomorrow for the state. Bello said his outstanding achievement was in the area of security where he said he was able to banish armed robbery, kidnapping and thuggery from the state. “ I confronted these ugly incidents headlong, and today the story has changed. We were able to institute infrastructure and integration of people into the administration that has been operating without sentiment,” he said. He called on party members to remain committed and dedicated to its ideals, s

President Buhari , however, observed the AfCFTA will have both positive and negative effects on Nigeria as a nation and the West African sub-region. President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja received the report on the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Nigeria’s readiness for it. The African Union Heads of States had on March 21, 2018 adopted the Phase I Agreement on the AfCFTA at its 10th Extraordinary Summit in Kigali, Rwanda. President Buhari , however, observed the AfCFTA will have both positive and negative effects on Nigeria as a nation and the West African sub-region. He said: “A lot has been said about Nigeria’s decision to conduct a detailed study on how this agreement will impact us as a country. “Let me state unequivocally that trade is important for us as a nation and to all nations. Economic progress is what makes the world go around. “Our position is very simple, we support free trade as long as it is fair and conducted on an equita

He said that the commission was inundated with petitions from victims. Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has described as worrisome the surge in the digital currency-related crimes in the country. He said that the commission was inundated with petitions from victims. The commission’s spokesman, Mr Tony Orilade in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, quoted the chairman to have expressed the concern at the 12th annual retreat for Heads of Security of Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Ibadan. The theme of the retreat was “ Fighting Financial Crimes in a Digital Economy ” was organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). Magu was represented by Hanafi Baba-Ahmed , a senior official in the commission. Magu urged Nigerian bankers to always be guided by the ethics of their profession in the discharge of their duties. He said that the commission, including other sister anti-graft agencies, would rely on their exp

The single addresses a myriad of topics. Date of release: June 28, 2019 Artist: Naira Marley Song Title: Soapy  Genre: Shepeteri, Afrobeats Album : TBA Producer: Rexxie Label: TBA Details : Controversial Nigerian single is back with a new single and a dance routine with it. In Nigerian counter culture of pubescent obsession with sex, 'Soapy' means something else.  But for Naira Marley, 'Soapy' addresses a myriad of topics including his time behind bars.  You can listen to the song below;  ridoola.blogspot.com

The 14 captives were freed from Boko Haram's makeshift camps that were also completely destroyed. Eight women and six children have regained their freedom after Nigerian Army troops raided some Boko Haram camps in Borno State. Soldiers of 152 Task Force Battalion, under 21 Special Armoured Brigade, came in contact with terrorists during clearance operations in Ngaba village on Wednesday, June 26, 2019. The operations were conducted in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members, according to a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa . "The sudden attack of terrorists' camps, simultaneous and swift employment of voluminous coordinated fire power bombardments led to serious destruction of the terrorists' camps, which forced the criminals to flee their hideouts in disarray, while an unconfirmed number of the bandits were effectively extirpated," the statement read. The 14 captives were freed from the te

The VC said this on Thursday, while delivery a goodwill message at a seminar organised by the Centre for Gender Studies of the university in Keffi. Prof. Suleiman Mohammed, Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK), has vowed to dismiss any lecturer caught harassing female students on campus. The VC said this on Thursday, while delivery a goodwill message at a seminar organised by the Centre for Gender Studies of the university in Keffi. Represented by Prof. Akinwumi Olayemi , Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), of the institution, Mohammed said the laws of the university was clear on the issues of sexual harassment. “The sanction for any staff found culpable of the offence is instant dismissal from the institution and the management would make sure the law is enforced to serve as deterrent to others ,” the VC said. He commended the centre for organising the seminar and promised to support in championing the cause for Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the country

TAL’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr Femi Adeniji , made the claim while briefing newsmen on Thursday at the company’s headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport , Ikeja. Tropical Arctic Logistics Ltd. (TAL), which operated the chopper that picked an unnamed individual on the Benin-Ore Expressway, says it did not breach any civil aviation regulations. TAL’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr Femi Adeniji , made the claim while briefing newsmen on Thursday at the company’s headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport , Ikeja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a video had gone viral on social media of an alleged high profile individual who got stuck in traffic on the road for hours and called a helicopter to pick him. Adeniji said that the flight was carried out in collaboration with flying doctors to evacuate the person who needed emergency medical services. He said that the company got approval from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency which endo